Marijuana is becoming more and more popular, with states legalizing it for both medical and recreational use. But what is behind this trend? And what are scientists discovering about the benefits of marijuana? In this blog post, you’ll get to know more about the latest scientific findings on marijuana and its effects on the human body.
Marijuana is a plant that contains the psychoactive compounds delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the compound responsible for producing a “high” in users, while CBD does not produce any intoxicating effects. Marijuana has been around for centuries. Some of the first references to its use date back to 2737 B.C., when the Chinese emperor Shen Nung recommended using it for pain relief, rheumatism, malaria, and other ailments.
The legalities around marijuana have changed over the years. There have been long periods of time when it has been illegal, because the authorities have feared the health implications and societal impact of widespread marijuana use. Yet as science has improved our understanding of the true effects of marijuana, more and more states have been legalizing it, either medically or recreationally. It’s now easy in many states to find marijuana seeds for sale, with an increasing number of individuals and businesses growing marijuana. This change has led to an increase in research into the benefits of marijuana too.
So what have scientists been discovering about marijuana that have made it grow in popularity?
It’s Not As Bad As People Once Thought It Was
First of all, research has debunked some of the myths around marijuana use. Many people believed that marijuana was dangerous and highly addictive, but the reality is that marijuana does not have the same addictive properties as other drugs. Studies have also shown that marijuana use does not lead to an increase in criminal behavior or mental health problems.
There are certain strains of marijuana that can cause an increase in anxiety and paranoia, but the overall effects of marijuana are much less concerning than people feared.
The effect of marijuana on your health can also depend on what age you are. For example, studies have shown that marijuana use can be particularly harmful to the developing brains of adolescents. However, for adults, the effects are not as concerning.
So while marijuana should still be treated responsibly, the evidence shows that it isn’t nearly as dangerous as people once thought.
Marijuana Can Have Health Benefits
Second, research has shown that marijuana can have a range of health benefits. CBD-rich strains of marijuana can help to reduce inflammation and even show promise in treating certain forms of epilepsy. THC has been found to have pain-relieving properties, and can help with issues such as nausea, insomnia, and anxiety.
A growing number of states are now legalizing marijuana for medical use. This means that patients can access marijuana to help with a variety of medical issues, such as chronic pain or PTSD.
When you compare marijuana products to some of the pharmaceuticals prescribed to people with conditions like anxiety or chronic pain, marijuana is often safer, more effective and has fewer side effects.
Help With Age-Related Issues
Marijuana may be able to help people with age-related issues such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Studies have shown that THC can help clear out the proteins that build up in the brain, which can improve memory and thinking processes.
It’s also possible that marijuana could be beneficial for people with Parkinson’s disease. Research has shown that CBD can help to improve sleep and reduce tremors in patients with the condition.
Even for people without diagnosed age-related diseases, research is showing that marijuana can improve communication and connections between different regions of the brain. This means it can help with issues such as concentration, focus and living independently.
With an ageing population, research like this can be profound, because it means that older people may pose less strain on the healthcare system, and live independent lives for longer.
Environmental Benefits
Finally, marijuana can also have environmental benefits. This is because it’s an incredibly efficient crop to grow, and doesn’t require large amounts of water or fertilizer. This means that marijuana farmers can reduce their impact on the environment and produce a high-yield crop in an ethical and sustainable way.
Marijuana is also much safer for the environment than some of the other drug crops, such as opium poppies. By growing marijuana legally instead of other drugs illegally, farmers can help to reduce the impact on their local environment. The growing popularity of marijuana and its by-products means it’s becoming more economically attractive for farmers to grow this crop over others that can cause more damage to the environment and human health.
Overall, as more research is conducted, it’s becoming increasingly clear that marijuana can be a beneficial substance. It may not be suitable for everyone, but in many cases, marijuana use can be much safer than other drugs and have a range of health and environmental benefits.
It’s important to remember, however, that while marijuana may have many positive benefits, it’s still a drug and should be used responsibly. Different people will react differently to it, and it’s important to consider the potential side effects and how they can vary depending on the person.
By becoming more informed on the potential benefits and risks of marijuana, we can help to ensure that people are using it in a way that is safe and beneficial for themselves and those around them.